Two Views: Is it past time to reform the redistricting process in Oregon?

There are a couple of proposals circulating that could change who is empowered to redraw legislative districts.

One being suggested by Kevin Mannix, an attorney, political activist, and former state lawmaker, would put redistricting in the hands of a nonpartisan commission. His ballot-measure proposal would have to be approved by voters in 2020, and would alter the state constitution.

The League of Women Voters of Oregon also is trying to alter the political landscape by working on a piece of legislation for the 2019 Legislative Session. It would refer a system for an independent redistricting commission to the 2020 ballot.

These potentially competing ballot measures would shift redistricting power from state lawmakers to commissions, ostensibly independent from state lawmakers.

Legislative boundaries influence politics. Both proposals signal the need for reforming the system, which left unchecked, would continue to let political parties draw district lines that give candidates and parties an edge on Election Day.

We invited Mr. Mannix and C. Norman Turrill, president of the League of Women Voters of Oregon to share their views. Read them below.

Carol McAlice Currie is the opinions editor for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at ccurrie@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6746.